Team Member Spotlight: Alyse Garcia—Dual Passion Dev & Dog-Smile Whisperer

WhatConverts isn't just a product—it's a team. And without that team, we know we'd be nowhere.

That's why each month, we recognize one team member who's gone above and beyond in their role, and we share a little bit about who they are and what makes them so integral to WhatConverts. (They also get a bit of free swag from our merch store!)

This month, our spotlight employee is Alyse Garcia, Front End Developer.

Tell us a little about your career path.

How did you first get into the SaaS or tech industry, or what led you to WhatConverts?

I started playing with technology the moment I could get my hands on it. My siblings are much older than me and saw my interest in how things worked, which is why I was always reading books and trying to guess their computer logins by the time I was 6 or so. One of the first things I learned was what websites are and how to use them. I learned you could open a browser and type in (subject).com and learn stuff, so I started doing it all the time. I took a class on programming in middle school and loved it. In college I ended up pursuing business and entrepreneurship as my major but was also taking advanced courses in technology. Right after graduation, I was fortunate to find a mentor in tech who took me under his wing, and I've been in the industry ever since. I feel very lucky that a passion of mine from a young age turned into a rewarding career path.

What do you enjoy most about your role at WhatConverts?

Is there something unique about working on our team that you find exciting?

I love the ability to work individually and collaboratively with talented, sharp, and genuinely funny people. I also love creating and that's why I've never doubted development as a calling. I get to build useful things, solve problems, think strategically, be creative, help others, and development allows me to do all of that. It is an art form to me.

What’s one project or achievement at WhatConverts that you’re particularly proud of?

This could be a specific individual contribution, a customer success story, or a team accomplishment.

I am proud of my website optimization project. It took longer than I anticipated, but it allowed me to really understand the codebase, fix some important issues, and keep a log of meaningful future enhancements to make.

How do you like to unwind after a busy day in the world of SaaS?

Tell us what you like to do, and how you maintain work-life balance.

I focus on my other passion besides technology, which is art. I'll do anything artistic because it fuels me and I don't feel right if I skip even a day of it. This usually means writing, reading, thrifting, cooking, dancing, yoga, listening to music, or experimenting with fashion and interior styling. I play with my 2 senior dachshunds who are twins. I also like to go to comedy shows or see what's happening around me, because Houston has a lot to offer.

What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?

It can be anything—from an interesting fact, to a hidden talent, to quirky hobbies.

I have an incredible collection of clothing, shoes, and accessories that's curated and true to my style. It's got a lot of cotton, leather, and silk items because I value sustainability. I'm very proud of it and I try to do my pieces justice by putting together a nice outfit any time I'm not going to be home.

If you could instantly learn one skill (personal or professional), what would it be?

Perhaps you want to code like a pro, master the art of PPC, or pick up a non-work-related hobby?

This is a non answer, but I think nothing. I find the most enjoyment in my long term goals and gratification, and I think mastering something is more about the process than the end result. The fun part is feeling myself get better at something and deepening my understanding of how something works. If I had to choose, learning how to fly a plane would be a dream. I've always thought of becoming a pilot.

What’s something you’re currently obsessed with?

This can be work-related (like a tool or trend) or something personal (foods, pets, places, TV shows - anything!).

I am currently obsessed with Sade and can't stop listening to and dancing to her music. She is classic for a reason and one of my top artists of all time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, professionally or personally?

How has this advice helped shape your life or your career?

The best advice I've ever received actually comes from a favorite quote I've held onto since I was at least 10 years old, which is hilarious to think about because there's no way I had much life experience at 10. It's Maya Angelou's: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." I feel like it applies to any situation and reminds me to take ownership of my life and focus on what matters to me.

You’re given the chance to win $5 million, but you have to beat 100 people at a single task. You can choose the task—what would it be and why do you think you’d win?

(This is a great opportunity to highlight a unique skill, or stead-fast know-how!)

The task would be asking my dog Duke to smile. He can smile and show his pearly whites on command, but he chooses to only do it for me, which I find so sweet and hysterical. I'd have that $5 million in no time and buy both of my dogs a lot of treats.

Want to Join the Team?

Want to grow your skills and level up your career with an award-winning product and dynamic remote team? We're always looking to work with exceptional individuals and expand the WhatConverts Team. Learn more about open positions and our culture below.

WhatConverts Current Openings & Company Culture